Villa Oost Indies
A Javanese colonial-style villa evoking a by-gone era, filled with a treasure trove of antiques, as well as all the mod cons you would expect in a luxury Bali villa. With three bedrooms, lagoon-style swimming pool and enchanting tropical gardens, fully staffed Villa Oost Indies has much to offer. A peaceful location within an exclusive private estate belies the villa’s highly desirable location, right in the heart of Seminyak’s glamorous golden triangle. Restaurants, bars and boutiques lie in every direction, while the Indian Ocean and golden sands of Petitgenget Beach are just a few minutes walk away.
Whether learning to surf, ushering in the sunset with a cocktail at a trendy beach club, browsing in designer boutiques or walking for miles along the sandy shores – there is plenty to keep you busy in Seminyak. Restaurants and bars seem to open every week in the trendy district known as ‘eat street’, leaving you spoilt for choice when it comes to that important question of “where to eat?”. You can also join a fascinating Balinese cooking class with our experienced villa chef (available at extra charge) and learn to make Balinese favourites like satay lilit ayam (chicken satay), and sambal matah (spicy lemongrass/shallot) relish.
Should you wish to explore further afield, your villa manager will be happy to give you the ‘inside scoop’ on what to do and where to go. He can also arrange a car and driver or customise an island tour for you.
In the meantime, here’s a taste of the many and varied activities on offer within easy reach of the villa:
- You could eat out at a different restaurant in Seminyak every night - for months, and still not run out of options. Jalan Laksmana (also known as Jalan Oberoi and Jalan Kayu Aya) is Bali’s fashionable ‘eat street’, offering plenty of high-end restaurants including Sarong and Teatro Gastroteque. Ku Dé Ta is still the place to see and be seen at sunset, while Potato Head has a rocking sounds system and some of the best cocktails on the island. A short taxi ride will bring you to Sardine, Métis and Republik 45. Try Saigon Street for flavourful Vietnamese food, Shanghai Baby for Chinese food, and nearby Lello Lello for cheap and cheerful Indian food (and divine gelato). You can also stock up on gourmet goodies at Grocer and Grind, and pastries at Bali Bakery just around the corner.
- Shop till you drop! The streets of Seminyak are a shopaholic's dream, with everything from chic designer boutiques to surf outlets and funky street wear. Exotic homewares are also a Balinese specialty, think gorgeous ceramics, embroidered furnishings and all manner of ethnic curios and decorative pieces. Also consider jumping in a taxi and heading Beachwalk in Kuta, here you will find many major international outlets, restaurants and a cinema.
- Head to Echo Beach in Canggu for sunset. A number of warungs (local restaurants) cling to the rocks offering local food, while a couple of places offer very reasonably priced barbecues with a huge choice of fish, poultry and meat, cooked to order, and complimentary salad buffet. You can catch live music here on Sundays.
- Get Wet n Wild at Waterbom, Bali’s premier water park set in 3.8 hectares of tropical gardens. 17 waterslides include adrenalin-inducing rides like Smash down and Climax. Those more inclined to leisurely pursuits can float on the lazy river or swim up to the pool bar for a cocktail. Its one of Bali’s most popular attractions, so get there early to beat the crowds.
- Explore the charming Tabanan regency, revealing terraced rice fields of emerald green, volcanic mountains and black-sand beaches dotted with fishing communities. Or head north to explore the volcanic lakes near the mountain town of Bedugul, including Lake Bratan with its photogenic and stunningly positioned Pura Ulun Danu – one of Bali’s most important temples.
- Uluwatu is the place for surfing enthusiasts. Most of the breaks here are only suitable for advanced or expert surfers as the waves are big. Particular highlights are Uluwatu, Dreamland, Padang-Padang, Bingin/Impossibles and Suluban. Even if you don’t surf its worth a trip out to the Bukit Peninsula which marks the southern end of Bali and is typified by magnificent limestone cliffs and craggy beaches.
- Acclaimed as the world’s best, the atmospheric Elephant Safari Park in Taro (north of Ubud) provides a sanctuary for elephants rescued from Sumatra, with opportunities for trekking, hand feeding, and photo taking. There is also a fascinating museum and an excellent restaurant in a beautiful tropical setting deep in the forests of Bali’s hinterland.
- Bali Treetop Adventure Park is near the town of Bedugal in northern central Bali (next to Lake Bratan). Five adventure circuits, with heights ranging from two to 20 metres, challenge all level and ages on suspended bridges, spider nets, Tarzan jumps and 12 flying foxes.
- Desa Seni at Berawa Beach, is an eco-friendly village resort providing an authentic Indonesian experience through the exploration of culture, art and yoga. The resort offers a wide variety of yoga classes and also has its own holistic spa and restaurant serving gourmet organic food, most of which is grown in the resorts extensive gardens.